Find the right brushes for watercolor
When painting with watercolors, the choice of brushes is crucial to your results. Watercolor brushes come in many price ranges and qualities, and it can be difficult to know which ones are best to start with. Here's a guide to the best brushes for watercolor painting and recommendations for which ones to use on my watercolor courses.
Which brushes do you need?
For beginners, I recommend starting with these three types:
- Round brush, size 6 and size 10-12 - Ideal for details and general painting.
- Wide, flat brush (approx. 5 cm) - Perfect for washes and backgrounds.
- Golden marten or synthetic marten hair brushes - Holds water well and produces beautiful strokes.
Natural hair or synthetic brushes?
Watercolor brushes can be made from either real sable hair or synthetic fibers. In my watercolor classes, we mainly use synthetic brushes as they are more affordable and still have a really good quality.
Brushes from AB Guldmår
One of the most recommended brush types is AB Golden Marten. They have brown handles and golden hairs that are pointed and hold their shape well. These brushes are suitable for beginners because they retain the right amount of water and provide good control over the strokes.
Important tip about brushes
New brushes often come with a plastic cap over the bristles. Do not put this cap back on after removing it, as it can damage the brush hairs.
How much do watercolor brushes cost?
Brushes vary widely in price depending on quality and size. Here is a general price range:
- Small brushes: From approx. 55 kr. per piece.
- Larger brushes: The price increases the larger the brush.
Prices can vary from store to store, so it's a good idea to compare different retailers.
My recommendations
For my watercolor courses, I recommend three types of brushes:
- A round brush (size 6 or 10-12) for details and general strokes.
- A wide, flat brush (approx. 5 cm) for washes and backgrounds.
- A synthetic sable hair brush that retains water and color well.
These brushes give you the best opportunities to experiment with watercolor techniques and achieve great results.
Ready to paint?
If you want a good start with watercolor painting, you can find my watercolor courses online or attend in-person courses in Copenhagen.
👉 See my online courses here: Watercolor courses online
👉 S ign up for physical courses: Watercolor courses in Copenhagen
I can't wait to paint with you! 🎨